1. Heat the Milk and Butter

• In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the milk and butter. Warm until the butter melts, then remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly until it’s warm to the touch but not hot, around 105-110°F (40-43°C).

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), sift together the flour, kosher salt, sugar, baking soda, and instant yeast.

3. Mix the Dough

• Add the warm milk-butter mixture and the lightly beaten egg to the dry ingredients.
• Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or by hand, mix until the dough begins to come together. Knead for 5-6 minutes on medium speed (or about 8 minutes by hand) until smooth and slightly sticky. The dough should feel damp and velvety.

4. Roll Out the Dough

• Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1-inch (2.5 cm) thickness using a rolling pin.
• Use a round cutter, English muffin ring, or a large canning jar lid to cut out muffin rounds, about 3 inches in diameter. Place each round on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.

5. Dust and Rest the Muffins

• Lightly dust the tops of each muffin with additional cornmeal.
• Cover the muffins with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This short rise helps achieve that classic airy texture.

6. Cook the Muffins on the Stovetop

• Heat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over low heat. You want a low and steady heat to prevent burning.
• Place a few muffins in the skillet, spacing them apart to allow room to expand. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. The muffins should rise slightly during cooking.

7. Finish in the Oven

• Once the muffins are golden brown on both sides, transfer them to a baking sheet.
• Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the muffins for an additional 12-15 minutes to finish cooking the centers.

8. Split and Serve

• Allow the muffins to cool slightly. To open, use a fork to split them in half (this helps keep the nooks and crannies intact).
• Toast and serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.